The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has pledged to enhance collaboration with airlines, operators, and other aviation stakeholders in the South-South region to ensure smooth and efficient airline operations.
The Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, made this commitment during the inauguration of the Port Harcourt Regional Office at the Port Harcourt International Airport in Omagwa, Rivers State, on Friday.
The long-awaited facility, which has been in development for 22 years, represents a significant step towards decentralizing operations and improving communication within the region.
Najomo expressed his joy at the realization of the project, emphasizing its importance for the advancement of aviation safety, security, and service delivery in Nigeria.
“I’m so happy because this is coming to reality after 22 years. This occasion marks another milestone in our commitment to advancing aviation safety, security, and service delivery in Nigeria,” he said.
He further highlighted the strategic importance of Port Harcourt, noting that its role as a hub for Nigeria’s oil and gas industries, as well as its significance in energy, commerce, and tourism, necessitated the establishment of world-class infrastructure to support the aviation sector.
“The new facility embodies our resolve to decentralize operations and bring services closer to stakeholders, ensuring a seamless flow of communication and operations within this vital region,” Najomo added.
The Acting Director-General also shared that the office would serve to enhance oversight, improve response times, and foster closer collaboration with local stakeholders.
“With this office, we aim to enhance oversight, improve response times, and strengthen collaboration with airlines, operators, and other aviation stakeholders in the South-South region,” he explained.
He emphasized that the new building symbolizes more than just a physical structure—it represents a foundation for operational excellence, safety, and compliance.
“We are not merely inaugurating a building, we are laying the foundation for enhanced operational excellence,” Najomo affirmed.
“This transformative structure will serve as a beacon of our dedication to fostering safety and compliance while providing a conducive environment for our staff to perform their duties efficiently and productively.”
Najomo also took the opportunity to thank everyone involved in the project, including contractors and NCAA staff, for their dedication and professionalism in bringing the facility to fruition.
He appealed for continued collaboration from all stakeholders to help shape the future of aviation in Nigeria. “Together, we will soar higher and make our skies safer and more efficient for all users,” he said.
He revealed that another similar facility would soon be inaugurated in Kano State, marking further steps in the NCAA’s effort to decentralize its operations and address long-standing infrastructural gaps.
In his welcome address, the NCAA Regional Manager, Titus Oladipo, reflected on the long history of the project.
“You all know this project started over 20 years ago and was looking like it was never going to be achieved. Different management sat on it and left,” Oladipo said.
He noted that a key factor in restoring staff confidence was the provision of a well-equipped office complex with modern facilities.
“Oftentimes, our staff and colleagues have gone on inspections and they were taunted by the operators reminding us of how we needed to close certain open items, obviously referring to our office space,” Oladipo added.
He expressed gratitude for the management’s achievement and confidence in future successes. “The entire region is indeed so grateful for this singular achievement of the management team and are confident that they will indeed achieve more set goals in the nearest future,” he said.
